The Queen's Funeral

By: William Spence
Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Great Britain has demonstrated to the world in a royal manner the importance and power that ceremony and ritual provide to family and community when someone they love dies.  Across time and cultures, humans have always looked to customs and practices as a means for coping with death.  Let Britain’s response to the death of their beloved Queen Elizabeth II be a reminder that ceremony plays a vital role in saying “farewell” to those we love.  Eternal rest grant to Her, O Lord.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Are vaults required in Pennsylvania?

Vaults or other types of outer burial containers are not required by federal or Pennsylvania state law to be placed in the ground prior to a casket being buried. However, most cemeteries in Lancast...

What happens to money I pre-pay if you are no longer in business or you sell your business?

Nearly every person who pre-funds their funeral will ask this question, and rightfully so. It’s wise to know how your money will be invested and what safeguards are in place to protect it for its i...

Can I be buried on my own property?

According to the legal counsel of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association, Pennsylvania does not have laws restricting one from being buried on their own property. The legality of being buri...

What is the PA state law regarding funeral processions?

As one might expect, each state has its own laws regarding funeral processions. In Pennsylvania, each vehicle in the procession must have its headlights lit and emergency lights flashing as well as...

GoFundMe for Funeral Expenses

An unexpected loss can be devastating—not only emotionally, but also financially. Many people turn to GoFundMe and other platforms to raise money for funeral costs because they feel stuck. But usin...

How should I dress for a funeral?

In the past, custom dictated that immediate family wore black clothing to the funeral of a deceased family member. While other relatives and friends didn’t necessarily need to be dressed in bl...

How included should children be in funerals?

This is a great question that often gets asked.  For the record, I am not a licensed psychologist, counselor, or even a parent.  However, my study and observation have provided me with se...

Is embalming required by law?

Embalming is only required by Pennsylvania law under certain circumstances.  If it is the desire of the family to have a public viewing of the deceased, the law requires that the body be embal...

The thing about “Closure”

The longer I am a funeral director the greater disdain I have for the word “closure” as it is used in the context of one’s grief. Many well-meaning individuals, and even professionals, often offer ...

What is meant by Green Burial?

Green burial is an alternative method of disposition that allows the remains of a person to return back to the earth naturally. Ideally, green burial minimizes the impact disposition has on the env...